Comments on: F1 circuits history part 16: 2008 and beyond

By: Brake Bias

Brake Bias — Sat, 15 May 2010 03:38:28 +0000

Excellent series Kieth. Will enjoy reading them in more depth rather than just the quick overview I have just done.

By: Simon

Simon — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:20:04 +0000

Street circuits have less run-off, are more claustrophobic, are (generally) more dangerous, and for that reason – bring out performances from those capable of producing them. I believe that a lack of fear in a driver can also set him/her apart. Although it is difficult to prove conclusively, a less fearful driver would logically have an edge over more fearful drivers, skill allowing (although it is arguable that more skill may reduce fear). In that respect, I believe that circuits, such as street circuits, or circuits which really pose risks, or a challenge to a driver’s bravery (eg. Spa Francorchamps) have the capacity to distinguish and flatter the high quality drivers. I don’t mean to sound overtly partial – but I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Ayrton Senna performed so outstandingly at circuits like Monaco, and Spa Francorchamps.

Simon

By: Keith Collantine

Keith Collantine — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:53:33 +0000

You’re welcome George. As for whether the new street circuits will be too narrow for overtaking, try zooming in on the southernmost part of the Singapore track, where it crosses the water, turns sharp left, and crosses water again. The track is really wide at that part, and even if they only use half the width as race track and have the rest as run-off there will still be a lot more space to pass than they have at Monte-Carlo.

Whether the F1 cars can get close enough to try is another matter…

By: George

George — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:16:35 +0000

And let me add my thanks for the series, as well as your latest videos.

Well done!!

By: George

George — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:15:20 +0000

If the new street courses are anything like Monaco, are we in for less passing than we have now? I remain open minded, but the probability of narrow streets, close barriers and short chutes sounds like “no passing chances” to me.

By: carldec

carldec — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:31:53 +0000

I dont think your ever going to have to worry about the uniqueness of Monico. The history and drama and glitz of the place will keep it unique. These new street circuits all seem to have a lot of character and I am really looking forward to seeing them run at night!

Thanks for this series.. its been terrific. I love learning about all the old tracks and you comments on the new ones have been fun too.

By: Robert Mckay

Robert Mckay — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:34:31 +0000

“The great thing about Street circuits is that they have no rooms for error, the walls are right there. Little mistakes that would go unpunished on other circuits (running off line, understeering through a hairpin etc) end up with a busted nose!”

True. But as we’ve seen, they’ve started moving the barriers back in places like Monaco (the reprofiled St. Devote is really a pale imitation of what it once was, to me). I suspect that the new street circuits will be designed in such a way that the barriers aren’t actually as ultra-close as they might be (partly because of safety, and partly for the need to try and “create” overtaking opportunities), but I could be wrong.

“I think the point is, with a new, purpose-built course, you could have sections where the barriers are right next to the track if you wished, and perhaps have more variety than is possible on a course that has already been laid out, but not laid out for racing.”

Exactly.

By: James

James — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 22:22:22 +0000

I think the point is, with a new, purpose-built course, you could have sections where the barriers are right next to the track if you wished, and perhaps have more variety than is possible on a course that has already been laid out, but not laid out for racing.

By: Mark

Mark — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:51:47 +0000

Hi Robert,
The great thing about Street circuits is that they have no rooms for error, the walls are right there. Little mistakes that would go unpunished on other circuits (running off line, understeering through a hairpin etc) end up with a busted nose!

Following on from this, I have been thinking about Senna running offline at Poitiers in 1988. He was out of the race he had dominated all weekend and devestated. He went off and steeled himself and became even stronger and more focused then he was before. Do you think he would have had the same awakening if he had run off line and got dirt on his tyres but been able to rejoin and go on to win the race?? What do you fellows (and ladies) reckon?

By: Robert McKay

Robert McKay — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 13:17:04 +0000

Oh, and just to add, it’s hard to imagine how the street circuit design could ever be better than that of a purpose-built road course. With the street circuit you are more or less forced into the routes and the corners of the circuit. There isn’t anything like the scope to design interesting features like Istanbuls quadruple apex turn 8. You are more or less relying on the pretty sights around the track to distract you from the fact there’s not many truly imaginative corners.